Offices and Departments

Public Affairs Section

The Mission of the Public Affairs Section is to explain and advocate American policy, act as a focal point for media and cultural relations, and advises the U.S. Mission to Rwanda on issues of public diplomacy. It also works closely with other sections of the American Embassy and Rwandan organizations to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Our International Web Page

Press Section

• Electronic Journals
• Washington Daily Files
• Worldnet
• Voice of America (VOA)

Cultural Section

• International Visitors Program
• Civic Education
• Educational Advising
• Student Advising

Information Resource Center 

Fulbright Program

Media Affairs (Press Section)

PAS  works closely with Rwandan written and electronic media to provide a variety of information, including policy statements by high-ranking American government officials and objective information about American politics, culture, business/trade, educational and other institutions.

Press inquiries to any section of the Embassy should be directed to the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) at the Public Affairs Section.

In addition, PAS  organizes:

• press conferences for visiting U.S. officials
• telepress conferences and Worldnet television programs enabling Rwandan policymakers and journalists to discuss issues with American officials and experts
• round table discussions/lectures
• study tours on various subjects: business, economics, journalism, politics, environment, etc.

Information Section

• provides media institutions and selected organizations with the daily Washington file.

• provides various media, governmental, non-governmental organizations as well as embassies with the weekly special report, a summary from the daily Washington file.

• Organizes interactive satellite discussions between Washington and Kigali through State's WorldNet programs on a variety of topics -- trade and investment, the law and court systems, journalism roundtables, democracy and human rights, women's issues, etc. Also invites guests for call-in Africa Journal satellite programs with Washington. 

• Distributes electronically-transmitted features and articles to relevant individuals and organizations and PAS publications on democracy, economic issues, various aspects of the U.S., environment, media and communications.

• Organizes training programs for journalists on a variety of topics: journalism ethics, economic reporting, radio program production, wire service reporting, investigative reporting, etc. The training programs are conducted by American and African media professionals.

PAS  also makes available, both electronically and in hard copy, official documents including press releases, texts of important treaties, policy papers and official speeches.

Additionally, many Rwandan educational institutions, political, business and non-government organizations, as well as the general public, utilize the Information Resource Center for updated information on the United States.

Cultural And Educational Affairs (Cultural Section)

PAS  is also responsible for promoting cultural and educational ties between the U.S. and RWANDA, and for promoting an understanding of American society and culture. PAS   works closely with a number of Rwandan cultural and educational institutions in organizing lectures, exhibits, workshops and performances by American academics, writers and artists.

Likewise, the Commission for Educational Exchange between the U.S. and RWANDA, more commonly known as the Fulbright Committee , promotes academic exchanges through scholarships and Student Advising programs. PAS  also promotes American studies in RWANDA through its work with a number of universities, mostly in Kigali and Butare. This collaboration includes:

• advising on curriculum and materials
• providing periodic academic lecturers
• supporting participation of RWANDA an educators in American seminars, study tours, teacher exchanges and conferences